Gracious: A Practical Primer on Charm, Tact, and Unsinkable Strength

I don't often write reviews, but thought this book needed a warning. I purchased the audio version of this book and looked forward to listening to it while going about my day. I finally gave up on the book. The author appears to have difficulty staying on focus which can be a distraction, but even that can be tolerated if not for the crude language used in this book. I am not sure why anyone would think that a book on grace and charm should be laced with profanity. I wish I hadn't wasted my money on it. I couldn't even finish the book. What a disappointment.

This book should have a warning for explicit language as the author uses God’s name in vain (G.D.) throughout it, which is just like sticking a dagger through my heart. Also ironically, using this type of language is not GRACIOUS at all! I had hopes of passing along to my daughters to read, it really should have a warning or disclaimer for language.

Like her first book, Gracious is full of practical tips and a lot of common sense, which isn't so common these days. It seems to be directed more toward those of her gender and generation, but even a 60+ male like me got some good reminders and new information. Unlike many of the prim and proper etiquette books of the past, Kelly provides needed guidance about the whole topic of social media. Her chapter on being gracious to yourself is also a good pick-me-up. What I like most of all is her writing style and her humor in nearly every paragraph. Be sure to read the footnotes--some of them are priceless.

It was ok. I thought there was a lot of good advice in there, but the style of presentation was distracting. I felt like she’d begin to discuss a topic, but then insert these tangenital random thoughts that pop up in her head as she’s writing, and put them in parentheses. She seems to do it to make it fun, but for me it was distracting and I’d rather she stay on point without sharing her divergent thoughts. It seemed like she was trying overly hard to be likeable and relatable, while I just wanted her advice.

A modern primer on graciousness for women everywhere. Worth a read, then a reread. As a southern woman, I appreciate the gentle reminders on what it means to be GRACIOUS, especially in a world that is so often NOT gracious. Kelly is an entertaining and wonderfully funny writer. This is a book to share with as many people as possible. I just gave away my original copy and purchased a second one for myself. Everyone needs to read this book!

Cute, funny and engaging! I really enjoyed this book, especially the quotes fromthe famously gracious interviewees that Ms Williams Brown chose, from southernbelles to the Dalai Lama. Not being particularly known for graciousness myself,I picked up a bunch of great new approaches and manners dictums that I hadn'tlearned before, often centered around a kind and caring non-judgmental attitude.

Wonderfully practical and life giving thoughts shared with such humor and warmth. I was on my way to an acquaintance's house and hadn't even thought of a hostess gift. Thankfully I read this on the plane and saved myself from embarrassment.

What a fun and enlightening read. Her sense of humor is remarkable. The techniques she describes work. It was so inspirational that I gave one to a good friend.

Having read Kelly's well known first book 'Adulting', I was expecting something different but down the same vein. This is a less 'practical' advice and more focused on the next step in Adulting - how to be a classy and gracious adult in a world that is neither. While there is a lot of advice throughout the book, I found it less funny and witty, and a bit preachy at points. This reminded me of the popular 90s self help books, even if some of the advice is more down to earth and useful.That being said, I had to force myself to keep reading it at some points. There are still funny anecdotes and great moments, but overall this is not a favourite for the ages. I will read it a second time and see how it fares the test of time.